Forty-two injured in Palai accident

Covid-19 update: In India, the active caseload has declined to 12,553, according to the Union Health Ministry data. India has reported a single-day rise of 833 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally to 4,46,65,643, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The country's active caseload has declined to 12,553, which accounts for 0.03% of the total coronavirus infections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An inmate who escaped from the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Camp has been found in the Welikanda, Sinhapura forest.It was reported that he was lost in the forest and that he was found during a search operation conducted by the army.Police Media Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa says that the escaped inmate who was ill due to the lack of food was hospitalised, and had died later.Last Sunday, a brawl broke out between two groups at Kandakadu Rehabilitation Camp over a bucket used for bathing.

LINO LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) - Today, 21-month-old Gabi is a happy and healthy girl who loves playing with her big sister and her parents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has made it clear that his country will not be a part of any big power rivalry, especially in the Indian Ocean region."The total competition in the world has gone from US and Russia to US and China," said the President adding that whatever happens in Russia is a sideshow."Whether the US is in the Indian ocean we have no objections. We have no objections to the Japanese or the Chinese being there, as long as there is no rivalry. We are the literal states, and we have to look after our interests.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An audit report has revealed that a total of 158 million rupees for three years had been allocated for the drafting of a new constitution when the economy of the country was heading towards a downturn. The Auditor General's report revealed that a total of 20.8 million rupees had been spent to hold 38 meetings of the expert committee and 9 consultations with external parties to draft a new constitution from the 9th of October 2020 to the 12th of December 2021. The details were revealed in the Auditor General's report of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Reform for the year ending 31st December 2021. A sum of 816,480 rupees had been spent for 3 office spaces that have not been used, and another 435,348 rupees had been spent to furnish those offices. Each constitutional expert on the committee to draft the new constitution WAS paid 25,000 rupees for every meeting that they attended which came up to a total of 3.1 million. The constitutional experts were also paid 120,000 rupees for their transport. A total of 10 million 180,000 rupees had been spent for the payment of the monthly allowance of 200,000 rupees to the secretary of the panel, the allowance for the research assistant, and several other allowances. 4,768,000 rupees had been spent during the period from October 2020 to December 2021 for office space at the BMICH. The Auditor General's report further states that although by the 31st of December 2021 the committee had completed 15 months, they had still not completed their task. 

GMB viewers were concerned when Kate Garraway was absent from the show on Friday morning.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit noted that multiple areas across seven provinces in Sri Lanka have been declared at Dengue High-Risk Zones.According to the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit attached to the Ministry of Health Piliyandala, Homagama, Maharagama, Pitakotte, Kaduwela and Gothatuwa areas in the Colombo District have been declared as Dengue High-Risk Zones.13 MOH areas in the Gampaha District including Attanagalle, Biyagama, Divulaptiya, Ja-Ela, and Kelaniya have been declared as  Dengue High-Risk Zones.The Beruwala and Kalutara MOH areas in the Kalutara District are also Dengue High-Risk Zones.Three MOH areas in the Kandy District also are Dengue High-Risk Zones, while the same number exists in the North and Eastern provinces.Sri Lanka has recorded over 63,500 dengue cases so far in 2022, and a majority of these cases are from the Western Province.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In recent months people were gunned down by mysterious shooters and concerns were raised on matters like how did these criminals get their hands on such weapons and who owned them.On Thursday (10) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of weapons and ammunition prepared to be used in a crime in Deenagoda, Beruwala.The man was arrested close to the Berwala Railway Station for suspicious behaviour and based on the information extracted during questioning his house was searched, where the weapons and ammunition were discovered.Sri Lanka Police said they discovered a Repeater Shotgun, a 0.22 mm firearm, and a locally manufactured weapon.Police said that the locally manufactured firearm has been upgraded to be used as a sniper rifle with laser targetting.In addition, Sri Lanka Police said that the barrel used for this weapon was manufactured in Germany and was modified to fit 0.22 mm bullets.In addition to these three weapons 101 bullets compatible with a 12-bore shotgun, and 489 .022 mm bullets were found in the possession of the 49-year-old suspect.In 2018, the suspect was arrested by police on weapons manufacturing charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Attorney Nuwan Bopage was named as the 59th suspect in the case filed in court for illegally entering the President's House in Colombo.Upon considering the submissions made by the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau the Fort Chief Magistrate ordered to name the Attorney as a suspect.Attorney Nuwan Bopage is one who repeatedly represented Wasantha Mudalige and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who are detained under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two business associates of a sanctioned al-Qa’ida financial facilitator and external operations plotter. The two individuals designated today are Mohamad Irshad Mohamad Haris Nizar and Musab Turkmen, who conducted businesses activities to assist Ahmed Luqman Talib (Talib), who was previously designated by OFAC for facilitating the international movement of individuals and finances in furtherance of al-Qa’ida’s objectives. Australian authorities arrested Talib on March 25, 2021, and days later charged him with plotting incursions into foreign states for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.“Treasury is taking this action to further disrupt a transnational al-Qa’ida financial facilitation and operational plotting network,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Seven newly appointed Ambassadors and a High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (11).Accordingly, His Excellency Mr. Federico Salas Lotfe, the Mexican Ambassador to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Authorities in Vietnam have reported that the skipper of the large migrant boat that was rescued by its Navy was not among those who were rescued.Vietnam media quoting the rescued Sri Lankans reported that the captain of the iron-hulled ship LADY R3 abandoned the boat after it started drifting at sea, and then did not return.A border guard commander of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province had also confirmed the information.A Sri Lankan man had reportedly said that his group had traveled from Sri Lanka to Myanmar and from there they had boarded the LADY R3 boat to travel to Canada by sea.It is unclear if all 303 Sri Lankans traveled together or in groups to Myanmar, and how they made it to Myanmar, as investigations are pending.Before 303 Sri Lankan citizens were rescued by the Helios Leader Vessel on the afternoon of November 6th, their ship had been stalled for nearly 40 hours, unable to maneuver and was drifting freely. On the afternoon of November 8th, when the SAR 413 vessel from the Vietnamese Coast Guard organized to welcome the 303 Sri Lankan citizens from the Helios Leader vessel to shore, initially four men got off the ship, the rest refused to get off despite the persuasion of the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka, who took an entire hour to pursuade them to leave the Japanese freighter.At this time, the authorities considered the option for these four people to return to the Helios Leader, but they refused and said that if they returned, they would be beaten. Thereafter, all 303 Sri Lankans were taken off the Helios Leader in batches and brought ashore.For humanitarian reasons, the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue has arranged for 303

Lanarkshire charity EK Dementia Carers Group has revealed it is under intense pressure post-pandemic as it fights to continue to provide a much-needed service to the local community amid the current cost of living crisis.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force arrested a 27-year-old man from Thamankaduwa, Gallella for possessing 118 stones believed to be gems.The STF said that the raid was carried out on the Akkaraipattu main road following an intelligence tip received by the officials of the Kalavanchikudi camp.Therefore, 188 stones of various colours suspected to be gems were seized from the possession of the suspect.In addition, a Gemstone Testing and Identification device were taken into custody.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Several civil organizations visited the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to request China to support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring efforts.However, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo reportedly refused to accept the letter from the civil organizations.The Liberal Democratic Youth Collective, The Sarvapakshika Aragalakaruwo (A movement formed after the people's struggle) and several other groups visited the Chinese Embassy in Colombo to request China to support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring efforts.Sri Lanka Police did not allow the activists to approach the Embassy and hand over the letter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan court on Friday (11) imposed a travel ban on State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage.The Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered to prevent the State Minister from travelling overseas until the 17th of December 2022.The case filed against the citizenship of the State Minister was called up via a motion that was filed by Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake and several other counsels.On Thursday (10) the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court ordered the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to immediately investigate whether State Minister Diana Gamage is remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa, and submit a progress report to the court on the 15th of December.Attorney Gunaratna Wanninayake told reporters outside the court that attempts were made earlier to undermine this investigation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne during an inspection visit made to the CSD Headquarters in Katubedda on Thursday (10) noted that in addition to the three-armed forces and the police, the Civil Security Department (CSD) also contributed a lot for the dawn of peace, that the people rejoice today.The Defence Secretary while addressing CSD staffers recalled the hardships experienced during the conflict also mentioned the dedicated service rendered by the former CSD members during the battle to eradicate terrorism from the island.  “Those pointed their finger towards the armed forces during the recent turmoil weren’t aware of the hardships their parents had gone through during terrorist war”, he said citing several recent incidents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said that 60,000 MT of coal was imported to the country on Thursday (10) and unloading will take place on Friday (11).CEB Spokesperson Andrew Navamuni said the shipment of coal was from South Africa and so far three coal shipments have reached the country in recent weeks.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung were seen at the Lanka IOC Terminals in Trincomalee together accompanied by diplomatic staff on Thursday (10).The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that the diplomats were welcomed by the staff at Lanka IOC who briefed the two diplomats on its operations that contribute to energy security of Sri Lanka.The Indian High Commissioner also flagged off the first delivery of Lanka Super Diesel from the Trinco Terminal for Sri Lankan market. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Fertilizer Office says that a cargo vessel carrying 22,000 MT of fertilizer is scheduled to arrive in the country from Malaysia next week.The Director of the National Fertilizer Office Chandana Lokuge says that the relevant fertilizer will be used for the maha season cultivationEarlier, 13,000 MT of Urea fertilizer was brought to Sri Lanka and the relevant fertilizer was distributed to farmers across the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced in Parliament yesterday (10) that special security arrangements as done in previous years will be implemented in connection with the Budget speech for the year 2023 to be made by the Minister of Finance on Monday the 14th of November 2022.Accordingly, today (11) the entire Parliament building including the restrooms and wardrobes of the Members of Parliament will be subjected to security inspection.On the 14th, when the budget is presented in Parliament, galleries will be restricted only to the Diplomatic Corps. As the Members’ car park will be kept closed on this day the vehicles of the Members will be directed to the relevant Car Parks. The Speaker also requested the Members of Parliament to arrive in Parliament on that day in a Chauffeur-driven vehicle as far as possible. The speaker also informed that Valet parking of the self-driven vehicles of the Members of Parliament will be attended to by the Chauffeurs of the Parliament Staff who will be deployed at the Members’ Entrance.In addition, special traffic arrangements will be adopted by the Traffic Police and the nearest Police Stations in the area on this day. The speaker also informed that the cooperation of all Members of Parliament is kindly expected towards the aforementioned special security arrangements.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting was held in Parliament to discuss the draft bill for the establishment of the Budget Office of the Parliament.The special meeting was attended by the Party leaders and members of the Committee on Parliamentary Business.    The Members of Parliament who were present had a lengthy discussion on the draft bill related to the establishment of the budget office of the parliament. Also, it was decided to meet again in two weeks after further study of this bill.

MATT Hancock MP has been slammed by I'm A Celebrity viewers after offering up a "cringey" excuse for breaking Covid rules. The shamed former health secretary was exposed by The Sun last year when he cheated on his wife Martha Hoyer Millar with his closest aide Gina Coladangelo, 43 - breaking his own lockdown rules in the process.

I'M A Celebrity viewers turned on Babatúndé Aléshé after saying he believed a bonkers conspiracy theory about the Covid vaccine - before making a VERY quick U-turn. The Celebrity Gogglebox star was having a frank discussion with Matt Hancock MP about rumours that swirled during the coronavirus pandemic. Babatunde told Matt: “I’m a conspiracy theorist.

“There’s a very visceral gut reaction to Matt Hancock as he’s there as a very famous face of the time that was miserable for the entire country and we’re still living with the consequences of.“There will be people watching whose grief is still very, very raw from losing people.“They won’t see that rawness of grief and sadness in the way that Matt Hancock is behaving on screen, because he’s laughing and having fun and trying to get to know a new group of people,” she added.“I think if they don’t see that, they are going to not feel healed in any way.

Kylie Jenner showed off her incredible curves as she posed in a black string bikini for her latest round of social media snaps on Tuesday.The reality star, 25, showcased her ample cleavage, trim waist and curvaceous hips in the skimpy number as she frolicked in a scenic pool.The star struck a series of sexy poses as she wore her tresses in soft waves and sported a glowing palette of make-up while plugging healthy drink, Glow. Wow: Kylie Jenner showed off her incredible curves as she posed in a black string bikini for her latest round of social media snaps on TuesdayKylie also showed off her toned and tanned legs as she posed up a storm.The star shares two children -  daughter Stormi, 4, and a baby boy, 8 months - whose name has not been revealed, with Travis Scott.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – One person was killed in a drive-by shooting in Yakkalamulla, Galle on Wednesday (19) morning.Sri Lanka Police said that two people including a child were also injured.The Office of the Police Spokesperson said two motorcycle gunmen had opened fire at the trio, killing a 33-year-old man.Reports suggested that the deceased was linked to previous crimes that took place in the south of Sri Lanka.The injured are a 3-year-old child, and a 24-year-old man.

Kylie Jenner showed off her incredible curves as she posed in a black string bikini for her latest round of social media snaps on Tuesday.The reality star, 25, showcased her ample cleavage, trim waist and curvaceous hips in the skimpy number as she frolicked in a scenic pool.The star struck a series of sexy poses as she wore her tresses in soft waves and sported a glowing palette of make-up while plugging healthy drink, Glow. Wow: Kylie Jenner showed off her incredible curves as she posed in a black string bikini for her latest round of social media snaps on TuesdayKylie also showed off her toned and tanned legs as she posed up a storm.The star shares two children -  daughter Stormi, 4, and a baby boy, 8 months - whose name has not been revealed, with Travis Scott.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A majority of U.S. adults expect America's relations with foreign adversaries like Russia and North Korea to grow more hostile, according to a new poll, a major shift in public opinion from four years ago under President Donald Trump.Two years into the Biden administration, 60% of U.S. adults say relations with adversaries will get worse, up from 26% four years ago at the same point in the Trump administration, according to the poll from the Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

COATESVILLE, Pa. - Two young men are facing charges after authorities say at least six people suffered stab wounds during a late night fight over the weekend in Coatesville. Officers from the Coatesville Police Department were called to the 300 block of South First Avenue around 10:30 p.m. fore reports of a fight and stabbing. Police found a male at the scene bleeding from the hands and right leg, according to a report from the department.

Car crashes after pop-up car rally at Willow Grove Park mall. MONTGOMERY COUNTY - In what proved to be yet another dangerous event, hundreds of cars convened at Willow Grove Park Mall for an unauthorized pop-up car rally this weekend.Police say 150-200 cars drove recklessly, revved engines and skid tires as the rally unfolded in the mall's parking lot around 12:34 a.m.

FRANKFORD - Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting of a 41-year-old man on a SEPTA platform in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood.Officials said the shooting happened Sunday night, just before 9 p.m., at the Frankford Avenue and Margaret Street SEPTA platform. The shooting was said to have been on the eastbound side of the platform.Responding officers found the 41-year-old victim with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.MORE HEADLINES:Police rushed him to Temple University Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.An active investigation is underway, though, police say, no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

Russian military firing range near Ukraine, killing 11 and wounding 15 others, before getting killed, the Russian Defense Ministry said.The ministry said in a statement that the shooting took place in the Belgorod region in southwestern Russia that borders Ukraine. It said that the two men from an unnamed ex-Soviet nation fired on soldiers during target practice and were killed by return fire.The ministry called the incident a terrorist attack.

Police patrol car with sirens off during a traffic control. via Getty Images Two men are facing attempted murder charges after an apparent road rage incident ended with a shootout.The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office in Florida said William Hale, 35, and Frank Allison, 43, have both been charged after the road rage incident on Saturday, Oct.

Troy Fletcher, 15 (Philadelphia Police Department)PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have issued a warrant for another suspect in the shooting outside of Roxborough High School that killed a 14-year-old boy late last month. On Friday, police identified Troy Fletcher, 15, as a suspect in the case. He faces multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the shooting. Fletcher is now the fourth suspect to be identified by police following the Sept.

PHILADELPHIA - Four people are recovering after they were shot in Kensington early Friday morning, according to authorities. Officials say officers responded to the 800 block of East Willard Street for a report of a person with a gun. Responding officers found four gunshot victims, according to police. Authorities say a 30-year-old man was shot in the ankle, a 43-year-old man was shot in the left foot, an 18-year-old female suffered a gunshot wound to the foot and a graze wound to the back, and a 29-year-old man was shot in the hand and ankle. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAll four victims were transported to Temple University Hospital, where they are in stable condition, according to police. Officials say there have been no arrests and that the investigation is ongoing with the department's Shooting Investigation Group. 

RALEIGH, N.C. - A North Carolina mayor announced that five people, including a police officer, were killed in a shooting in a residential area.Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin told reporters that multiple people were shot on the Neuse River Greenway around 5 p.m. local time, and that the police department told her around 8 p.m.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - A 28-year-old man is critically injured after he was shot multiple times in North Philadelphia.According to officials, 25th District police responded to the shooting Thursday afternoon, about 2:45, on the 3200 block of North Front Street.When they arrived, officers found the 28-year-old man with gunshot wounds to his back and hip.MORE HEADLINES:Medics rushed him to Temple University Hospital where he was placed in critical condition.Police are investigating the shooting, though no weapons have been recovered and no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here.

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected former President Donald Trump’s plea to step into the legal fight over the FBI search of his Florida estate.The justices did not otherwise comment in turning away Trump’s emergency appeal.Trump had pressed the court on an issue relating to classified documents seized in the search authorized by a federal judge of Mar-a-Lago.The Trump team was asking the justices to overturn a lower court ruling and permit an independent arbiter, or special master, to review the roughly 100 documents with classified markings that were taken in the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago.A three-judge panel from the Atlanta-based U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department has announced the arrest of a second suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting near Roxborough High School in September. Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore announced the arrest via Twitter on Thursday morning. Police have not yet released additional information about the arrest or the suspect who is now in custody. The second arrest comes one day after police arrested and charged 21-year-old Yaaseen Bivins in connection with the deadly ambush shooting that left 14-year-old Nicholas Elizalde dead. RELATED COVERAGEPolice also issued an arrest warrant for 16-year-old Dayron Burney-Thorn, who is wanted on murder charges in relation to the incident. Police say Elizalde and four other teenagers had just finished participating in a football scrimmage and were walking back to the locker room when a group of five suspects exited an SUV and opened fire on the group in September. According to police, at least 60 shots were fired in the shooting that left Elizalde with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

PHILADELPHIA - Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating several shootings that left at least one man dead and several others injured late Wednesday night and early Friday morning.  Two shootings took place just hours apart in the West Philadelphia neighborhood on Market Street. Police say the first happened just before 10:30 p.m.

Quinton Simon (Chatham County Police Department)CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. - New video reportedly shows a fight between the grandmother and babysitter of 20-month-old Quinton Simon. The toddler was reported missing from his coastal Georgia home on Oct.

Ant and Dec have been forced to pull out of the NTAs due to contracting Covid-19.The Geordie double-act are usually a big staple of the night with them winning best presenters for twenty years in a row.The pair confirmed on Instagram on Wednesday (October 12) as they told their fans the sad news.READ MORE: Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly's jaw-dropping net worth unveiled after 30-year careerThey wrote: "Sadly, it's true... We even get ill together!"After both feeling unwell a few days ago we both tested and we're positive for Covid."We're resting up at home and are so sorry we can't be at the @officialntas."Best of luck everyone and get well soon to anyone else in the same boat."This comes after they had to pull out of a scheduled hosting gig for a special episode of Britain's Got Talent.Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician is bringing together the most memorable acts who specialise in magical tricks.The winning act will be able to take home a whopping £50,000.However, the hosts won't able to attend the event, along with head judge Simon Cowell.The X Factor boss won't be able to make it due to filming commitments across the pond.Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller will be stepping in as a guest judge in Simon's absence.Talking about his new role, Penn said: "Being a guest judge on BGT is going to be the cushiest job ever.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities have arrested and charged a man in connection with the shooting that killed one teen and injured four others outside Roxborough High School late last month.Yaaseen Bivins, 21, has been charged with murder, aggravated assaulted, and related offenses in the shooting that left 14-year-old Nicolas Elizalde dead. Bivins arrest comes a more than a week after officials issued an arrest warrant for 16-year-old Dayron Burney-Thorn in connection with the Roxborough High School incident. Burney-Thorn also faces murder and related charges. The mother of the 14-year-old boy killed in the shooting outside Roxborough High School recalled the moment she felt her son pass away in her arms.

The New York State Department of Health has discovered more evidence of polio in NYC wastewater.  Officials noted that 63 of 70 wastewater samples discovered last week were linked to a polio case of a 20-year-old male from Rockland County.The individual has since developed paralysis in his legs, according to the state health department.  Most of the samples were found in Rockland. Still, officials also collected others all over the state, including Orange County, Sullivan County, and Nassau County, and one sample was found in Brooklyn.

no one matched all six numbers on Tuesday. The current jackpot, which also comes with a $248.7 million cash option, would be the 11th-largest prize in the 20-year history of the game, according to lottery officials. The current Mega Millions prize began Aug. 2 after a $1.337 billion ticket was won in Illinois on July 29.The winning numbers are drawn for the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history, $1,28B, took place on Friday, July 29, 2022.In addition to the massive jackpot in July, four other top prizes have been awarded so far this year — beginning with $426 million in California on Jan. 28, officials said.

PHILADELPHIA - When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it jump started the midterm elections with a thunderclap.